As we wrap-up fire prevention week the Okotoks Fire Department is encouraging residents to make sure they are equipped with carbon monoxide monitors as it can quietly bring danger to a home.

Stephan Mazubert with the fire department says carbon monoxide poisoning can hit you fast with the following symptoms.

"Head feeling, tightness across your forehead and in your temples, watering or burning eyes, weakness, dizziness, vomiting or loss of muscle control," he says. "It's odorless so you would not smell carbon monoxide."

That's where a CO Detector comes into help.

"They will help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, it's recommended to have one on each floor of your home."

Mazubert says the common instances where CO can be a problem are usually in the household.

"Lack of ventilation on a wood burning fire place, appliances can give off carbon monoxide, if you leave your car running in the garage the build up of CO, also the newer homes ventilation is sometimes lower to the ground so if you get an accumulation of snow it will block the ventilation."

For more safety tips on smoke detectors or CO monitors, give the fire department a call at 403.995.2767

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com